The undeniable chemistry between rising stars Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames, both on and off-screen, has captivated fans as they prepare for the release of their highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, ‘Regretting You.’ This comprehensive guide delves into their rumored romance, career highlights, and their pivotal roles in the upcoming drama.
In the vibrant world of Hollywood’s rising talents, few duos have generated as much buzz as Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames. Known for their compelling performances in various projects, these young actors are now at the center of fan speculation, thanks to their co-starring roles in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s ‘Regretting You.’ Their public appearances and candid comments have only intensified the curiosity, leading many to wonder if their on-screen romance has spilled over into real life.
For dedicated fans of classic films and emerging talent, understanding the narrative behind these young stars is crucial. This article provides an in-depth look at their journey together, from their initial casting to their latest red carpet event, offering a definitive resource for enthusiasts.
The Spark Ignites: From Co-Stars to Speculation
The journey of Mckenna Grace, 18, and Mason Thames, 17, as a rumored couple began with their professional collaboration. News broke in August 2024 that the two would co-star in ‘Regretting You,’ an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Grace, known for her powerful roles in projects like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ and Thames, a rising star from ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ quickly found themselves in the public eye, not just for their talent but for their blossoming rapport.
The speculation around their relationship reached a fever pitch in April 2025 when Grace shared a viral TikTok clip featuring a playful, staged kiss between them. Commenters immediately questioned if this was a subtle confirmation of a real-life romance. Thames addressed the viral moment in a June 2025 interview with Seventeen, admitting, “I didn’t really know what to expect, but it was really funny. I had a lot of friends text me. It was hilarious.” He also revealed that the idea for the TikTok came from Grace, who asked, “This is a TikTok—do you wanna do it?”
While Thames remained private about the exact nature of their relationship, he acknowledged the intensity of the fan speculation. “It is strange,” he told Seventeen, emphasizing his preference for keeping personal matters offline. Despite the ambiguity, his profound admiration for Grace shines through, as he gushed, “She is such an incredible actress. It’s insane to watch her. She is one of the most driven people I’ve ever met in my life. Every day I’m on set with her, I just want to be as good as Mckenna. She’s such a sweet person, and getting to do this movie with her is so cool.”
A Timeline of Shared Moments: Public Appearances and Candid Confessions
The public’s fascination with Grace and Thames’ connection has been fueled by a series of notable appearances and social media interactions. Here’s a chronological look at their journey so far:
- August 2024: Casting Announcement and First Public Appearance
Following the news of their roles in ‘Regretting You,’ Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace made their first official public appearance together at Netflix’s Incoming House Party event. This marked the beginning of their public partnership.
- April 2025: The Viral TikTok and NBA Sighting
On April 7, 2025, Mckenna Grace posted the now-famous TikTok video of her and Mason Thames sharing a playful, staged kiss, sparking widespread dating rumors. Later that month, on April 18, they were seen together attending a Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA game at State Farm Arena.
Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames spotted courtside at an NBA game in April 2025, further fueling relationship rumors. - May 2025: Instagram Share
On May 5, Mckenna Grace shared an Instagram carousel that included a photo of herself with Mason Thames, captioned, “This is my jam!!🍓🎶🦈💕🎬,” hinting at their close bond.
- June 2025: ‘Seventeen’ Interview and NYC Sighting
Mason Thames’ June 13 interview with Seventeen offered insights into his perspective on the rumors and his deep admiration for Grace. He revealed their shared activity of visiting an aquarium, listening to individual playlists, showcasing a unique connection. Just a day later, on June 14, Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace were photographed walking hand-in-hand through Soho, New York City, as reported by Just Jared. This sighting coincided with the opening weekend of Thames’ ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ film, adding to the public’s excitement.
Mason Thames and Mckenna Grace holding hands in New York City in June 2025. - October 2025: Berlin Special Screening
On October 12, 2025, Grace and Thames attended a special screening of ‘Regretting You’ at Zoo Palast in Berlin, captivating audiences and photographers alike with their presence.
Mckenna Grace attending the ‘Regretting You’ Berlin special screening in October 2025. Mason Thames at the ‘Regretting You’ Berlin special screening in October 2025, showcasing a distinctive polka dot ensemble.
Inside ‘Regretting You’: Their Roles and the Story
The film ‘Regretting You’ is a drama and romance directed by Josh Boone and based on the beloved book by Colleen Hoover. It introduces audiences to Morgan Grant, played by Allison Williams, and her teenage daughter Clara Grant, portrayed by Mckenna Grace. The narrative is set in motion after a devastating car accident reveals a shocking betrayal, forcing the characters to confront family secrets, redefine love, and rediscover each other.
Mason Thames steps into the role of Miller Adams, Clara’s love interest, whose on-screen chemistry with Grace is expected to be a highlight of the film. The cast also features other notable actors:
- Dave Franco as Jonah Sullivan
- Willa Fitzgerald as Jenny Davidson
- Scott Eastwood as Chris Grant
- Sam Morelos as Lexie
- Clancy Brown as Ethan Samuel Costanilla
The film delves into themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery in the aftermath of tragedy, with a screenplay co-written by Josh Boone and Susan McMartin. Filming officially wrapped in May 2025, and the movie is currently scheduled to hit theaters on October 24, 2025, as reported by Deadline and aligned with details from People. Fans are eagerly anticipating this adaptation, which promises to be a powerful cinematic experience.
Fan Frenzy and Fashion Statements
The fan community has been exceptionally active in discussing Grace and Thames’ every move, analyzing their interactions for hints of a real-life romance. Beyond their rumored relationship, their red carpet appearances, particularly at the ‘Regretting You’ Berlin screening, also garnered attention.
Mason Thames received praise for his sartorial choices, especially his “gorgeous” deployment of polka dots, standing out in a sea of plain black suits often favored by male celebrities. This demonstrates his understanding of the importance of making a visual statement for promotional work, a trait often attributed to younger, “hungrier” stars. Mckenna Grace’s choice of a mini and crop top, while initially considered typical for a 19-year-old starlet, later drew criticism from some fashion observers. This keen interest in their fashion, alongside their personal lives and professional work, highlights the comprehensive nature of fan engagement.
A Look Ahead for the Young Stars
As ‘Regretting You’ approaches its theatrical release, the spotlight on Mckenna Grace and Mason Thames continues to grow. Their talent, coupled with their compelling rumored romance, makes them one of the most talked-about duos in Hollywood. Whether their relationship blossoms into a confirmed romance or remains a cherished friendship, their undeniable chemistry both on and off-screen is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences and the fan community alike. Their work on this highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel marks a significant milestone in their promising careers, solidifying their positions as stars to watch.
